DOGE sprouts in red states, as governors embrace the cost-cutter brand and make it their own

Republican governors in at least 26 states are launching DOGE-style initiatives to highlight their commitment to cutting government costs and streamlining operations. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has rebranded his "Fiscal Responsibility Program" as Louisiana DOGE, claiming it has saved $70 million in Medicaid through enhanced coordination with the federal government. Critics argue these initiatives often duplicate existing processes, lacking true innovation or fiscal responsibility. Analysts from the pro-labor Economic Policy Institute suggest that these efforts mainly serve to consolidate power away from state agencies while benefiting privatization advocates.

Governors like Iowa's Kim Reynolds assert they were focused on efficiency before DOGE became popular, framing their initiatives as proactive. The state's DOGE efforts are characterized by lengthy processes aimed at modernizing technology and reducing costs. This trend reflects a political strategy among some governors eyeing the 2028 presidential race, as they seek to adopt the DOGE brand. The state-level DOGE initiatives differ significantly from Trump’s more aggressive approach, often relying on loyalists rather than independent oversight.